TIP OF THE DAY: Plan A Buffet ~ It’s National Buffet Day

As if we haven’t eaten enough from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, National Buffet Day is held on January 2. Why, oh why??? The good news is that it is easy to have a low-calorie buffet; more about that below. The word “buffet” came to the U.S. from a French sideboard, a long, narrow, high…
Continue reading “TIP OF THE DAY: Plan A Buffet ~ It’s National Buffet Day”

KITCHEN GADGET: Churro Maker

[1] Churros made with the San Diablo Artisan Churro Maker (photos #1 and #2 © San Diablo Churros). [2] This tube-shaped device turns the dough into churros, ready to fry or bake. [3] Party idea: a Fiesta Churro Bar, with DIY sauces and garnishes. Here’s the recipe (photo © BHG). [4] How about spicy churro…
Continue reading “KITCHEN GADGET: Churro Maker”

FOOD FUN: Antipasto Cone Appetizer & Cocktail Snack

If you like to entertain with fun elements, how about a cone holder (photo #3)? Available in sizes from small to large, you can use them to serve: Ice cream cones Sushi hand rolls Popcorn and snack mixes Homemade potato chips or veggie chips Cotton candy Fries Fruit…and now… Antipasto!   We decided to try…
Continue reading “FOOD FUN: Antipasto Cone Appetizer & Cocktail Snack”

Guacamole Garnishes & International Guacamole Recipes

[1] Start with plain guacamole, chunky or smooth; then mix in your favorites from a long list of choices (photo © McCormick). [2] DIY guacamole provides a variety of mix-ins; here at Cocina 214 in Winter Park, Florida (photo © Cocina 214). [3] You can go fusion-style, too. Here, Argentinian-style guacamole, with grilled beef (photos…
Continue reading “Guacamole Garnishes & International Guacamole Recipes”

RECIPE: Savory Cheesecake As A First Course

We love cheesecake. Ninety-nine percent of the time it’s a sweet cheesecake, but every once in a while we come across—or decide to bake—a savory cheesecake. There’s no sugar. Using a base of cream cheese—just like dessert cheesecake—it’s an unsweetened cheesecake that combines savory ingredients: herbs, vegetables, seafood and/or other cheeses. Savory cheesecakes are always…
Continue reading “RECIPE: Savory Cheesecake As A First Course”